A conservative Moscow think-tank suggested in July that the Arctic Ocean should be renamed the "Russian Ocean" and this week it was announced that MiG-31 supersonic interceptor aircraft will be based in the region by the end of the year.

Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, who says exploiting oil and gas reserves in the North is a "strategic priority."

Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, who says exploiting oil and gas reserves in the North is a "strategic priority."

Unfortunately, for me as a Canadian who supports my country's claims to Arctic sovereignty (while recognizing the rightful claims of other nations), any comment would be too political outside of Politics. Not going there now.

Unfortunately, for me as a Canadian who supports my country's claims to Arctic sovereignty (while recognizing the rightful claims of other nations), any comment would be too political outside of Politics. Not going there now.